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DUKE 
UNIVERSITY 


DIVINITY SCHOOL 
LIBRARY 


ay 


Ave 


: | PLATFORM 


oF 


: *CHURCH DISCIPLINE: 
| 


GATHERED OUT OF THE WORD OF GOD, AND AGREED UPON 
BY THE 


ELDERS AND MESSENGERS 


OF THE 


CHURCHES ASSEMBLED IN THE 
4 SYNOD F 
AT CAMBRIDGE, IN NEW-ENGLAND : 


TO BE PRESENTED TO THE 
CHURCHES AND GENERAL COURT, 


YOR THEIR CONSIDERATION AND ACCEPTANCE IN THE LORD, 
- THE EIGHTH MONTH, awNno 1648. 


low amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts. Pial. toate, s 


LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine bonour 
dwelicth Psat. xuvi. 8. 


One thing have | desired of the Lord, that will I seck after, that 1 may dwell in 
the house of the Lord all Sodan ler life, to beauty of the « ord, 
and to enquire in his temple. wor On Psat. axvii 

SQ “9, 


ae 1867 


> 


an 
-) 


Cy pe 
BOSTON: °f Washi > 
if = hai — PRINTED AND SOLD BY BELCHER AND ARMSTROXG, 


ae | Pt a i oe SUFFOLK BUILDINGS, STATE STREET. 
au ES >) | 1808. 


THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 


= Ls 


——_ = 


4 


4 


- 


Dare 


At a General Court held at Boston, May 19th, 1680. 


THIS Court having taken into serious consideration 
the request that hath been presented by several of the 
reverend elders, in the name of the late Synod, do approve 
thereof, and accordingly order, Tue Conression oF 
Fairu, agreed upon at their second session, and THe 
Pratrorm or Discretiwe, consented unto by the Synod 
at CAMBRIDGE, anno 1648, to be printed for the benefit 
of the churches in present and after times. 


EDWARD RAWSON, Sec’y. 


THE PREFACE. 


THE setting forth of the public confession of 
the faith of churches hath a double end, and both 
tending to public edification: First, the mainten- 
ance of the faith intire within itself: Secondly, the 
holding forth of unity and harmony both a 

and with other churches. Our ches here, as, 
by the grace of Christ, we believe and profess the 
same doctrine of the truth of the gospel, which gen- 
erally is received in all the reformed church¢s of 
Christ in Europe, so especially we desire not to 
vary from the doctrine of faith and truth held forth 
by the churches of our native country, For though 
it be not one native country that can breed us all 
of one mind; nor ought we to have the glorious 


faith of our Lord Jesus with respect to. , 
ag 8 one i tn cw, to 

d forth the doctrine of justification by faith, and 
of the resurrection of the dead, ac ing as he 


knew his godly countrymen did, who were Jews by 
nature, (Gal. ii. 15, Acts xxvi. 6. 7.) s0 we who are 
by nature Englishmen, do desire to hold forth the 
same doctrine of religion, especially in fundamen- 
tals, which we see and know to be held by the 
— of England, according to the truth of the 

‘The more we discern (that which we do, and 
have cause to do with incessant mourning and 
trembling) the unkind, and unbrotherly, and un- 
christian contention of our godly brethren and 
countrymen in matters of church government, the 
more carnestly do we desire to see them join to- 
gether in one common faith, and ourselves with 
them, For this end, having perused the public 


Digitized by the Internet Archive wr 
in 2023 with funding from — 
Duke University Libraries 


https /larchive. 2.org/details/platformofchurch0t cam 


confession of the faith, agreed upon by the reverend 
assembly of divines at Westminster, and finding the 
6um and substance thereof, in matters of doctrine, 
to express not their own judgment only, but ours 
also ; and being likewise called upon by our godly 
magistrates, do draw upa public confession of that 
faith which is constantly taught, and generally pro- 
fessed amongst us; we thought good to present 
unto them, and with them to our churches, and 
with them to all the churches of Christ abroad, our 
professed and hearty assent and attestation to the 
whole confession of faith (for substance of doctrine) 
which the reverend assembly presented to the re- 
ligious and honourable parliament of England - 
excepting only some sections in the 25. 30. and 
31. chapters of their confession, which concern 


points of controversy in church discipline ; touch. — 


ing which we refer ourselves to the draught of the 
church discipline in the ensuing treatise. 

The truth of what we here declare may — 
by the unanimous vote of the Synod of the Elders 
and Messengers of our churches, assembled at 
Cambridge, the last of the sixth month, 1648, 
which jointly passed in these words: ‘This synod 
having perused and considered, with, much glad- 
ness of heart, and thankfulness to God, the con- 
fession of faith, published of late by the reverend 
assembly in England, do judge it to be very holy, 
orthodox, aud judicious in all matters of faith ; 
and do therefore freely and fully consent there- 
unto, for the substance thereof. Only in those 
things which have respect to church government, 
and discipline, we refer ourselves to the platform 
of church discipline, agreed upon by this present 
assembly ; and do therefore think it mect, that 
this confession of faith should be commended to 


ue churches of Christ amongst us, and to the hon- 
oured court, as worthy of their due consideration 
and acceptance. Howbeit, we may not conceal, 
that the doctrine of vocation, expressed in clap. 
x. sect. 1. and summarily repeated in chap. xiii. 
sect. 1. passed not without some debate. Yet con- 
sidering the term of vocation; and others by which 
itis described, are capable of a , or more strict 
sense and use, and that it is not intended to bind ap- 
prehensions precisely in point of order or method, 
there hath been a general condescendency thereunto. 

Now by this our professed consent and free 
concurrence with them in all the doctrinals of re- 
ligion, we hope it may appear to the world, that 
as we are a remnant of the people of the same na- 
tion with them, so we are professors of the same 
common faith, and fellow-heirs of the same com- 
mon salvation, Yea moreover, as this our pro- 
fession of the same faith with them, will exempt 


us, even in their judgments, from suspicion of 
heresy ; so, we trust, it may exempt us in the. 


like sort from suspicion of schism: that though 
we are forced to dissent from them in matters of 
church-discipline, yet our dissent is not taken up 
out of arrogancy of spirit in ourselves, whom, 
they sce, willingly condescend to learn of them, 
neither is it carried with uncharitable censorious- 
ness towards them, (both which are the proper and 
essential characters of schism) but in meekness of 
wisdom, as we walk along with them, and follow 
them as they follow Christ ; so where we conceive 
a different apprehension of the mind of Christ ; as 
it falleth out in some few points touching church- 
order, we still reserve duc reverence to them 
whom we judge to be, through Christ, the glori. 
Ous lights of both nations, and only crave leave. as 
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in the spirit we are bound, to follow the Lamb 
whithersoever he goeth, and, after the apostles ex- 
ample, as we believe, so we speak. 

And if the example of such outcasts as 
ourselves might prevail, if not with all (for that 
were too great a blessing to hope for) yet with 
some or other of our brethren in England, so far 
as they are come to mind and speak the same 
thing with such as dissent from them, we hope 
in Christ it would not only moderate the harsh 
judging and condemning of one another in such 
differences of judgment as may be found im the 
choicest saints; but also prevent, by the mercy 
of Christ, the peril of the distraction and destruc- 
tion of all the churches in both kingdoms. Oth- 
erwise, if brethren shall go on to bite and devour 
one another, the apostle feared, as we also with 
sadness of heart do, it will tend to the consuming 
of them, and us all, which the Lord prevent. 

We are not ignorant, that besides these asper- 
sions of heresy and schism other exceptions also 
are taken at our way of church government, but, 
as we coneccive, upon as litle ground. As, 

1. ‘That by admitting none into the fellowship 
of our church but saints by calling, we rob many 
parish churches of their best members, to make 
up one of our cougregations, which is not only 
to gather churches out of churches, a thing un- 
beard of in scripture, but also to weaken the hearts 
and hands of the best ministers in the parishes, by 
despoiling them of their best hearers. 

2. ‘That we provide no course for the gaining, 
and calling in of ignorant, and erroneous, and scan- 
dalous persons, whom we refuse to receive into 
our churches, and so exclude from the wholesome 
remedy of church discipline. 


3. That in our way we sow sceds of division, 
and hindrance of edification in every family ; whilst 
admitting into our churches only voluntaries, the 
husband will be of one church, the wife of another ; 
the parents of one church, the children of another ; 
the master of one church, the servants of another. 
And so the parents and masters being of different 
churches from their children and servants, they 
cannot take a just account of their ting 4 
what they hear; yea, by this means the hu 
parents, and masters shall be chargeable to the 
maintenance of many other churches, and chureh 
officers, besides their own ;_ which will prove a 
charge and burthen unsupportable. 

But for answer, as to the first ; for gathering chur- 
ches out of churches, we cannot say that it is a 
thing unheard of in scripture. The first christian 
church was gathered out of the Jewish church, and 
out of many synagogues in that church, and con- 
sisted partly of the Gadileans ; who though they 
kept some communion in some parts of public 
worship with the temple, yet neither did they fre- 
quent ihe sacrifices, nor rcpair to the sanhedrim 
for the determining of their church causes, but 
kept intire and constant communion with the apos- 
les’ church in all the ordinances of the gospel. 
And for the first christian church of the Gentiles 
at Antioch, it appeareth to have been gathered and 
constituted partly of the dispersed brethren of the 
church at Jerusalem whereof some were men of 
Cyprus and Cyrene, and partly of the beieving 
Gentiles. Acts xi. 10, 21. 

If it be said, the first christian church at Jeru- 
salem, and that at Antioch, were gathered not out 
of any christian church, but of the Jewish temple 
and synagogues, which were rly after to be 


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abolished, and ae gathering to Antioch was 
upon occasion of dispersion in time of persecution 
adele it may be considered, 1. That the 
members of the Jewish church were more strong- 
ly and straitly tied by express holy covenant, to 
keep fellowship with the Jewish church till it was 
abolished, than any members of christian parish 
churches are wont to be tied to keep fellowship 
with their parish churches. The episcopal canons, 
which bind them to attend on their parish church, 
it is likely they are now abolished with the episco- 
pacy. ‘The common law of the land is satisfied, 
as we conceive, if they attend upon the worship 
of God in any other church, though not within 
their own parish. But not like such covenant of 
God, nor any other religious tie lieth upon them 
to attend the worship of God in their own parish 
ehurch, as did lie upon the Jews to attend upon 
the worship of God in their temple and syna- 
es. 

2 Though the Jewish temple church at Jerusalem 
was to be abolished, yet that doth not make the 
desertion of it by the members to be lawful, till 
it was abolished. Future abolition is no warrant 
for present desertion, unless it be lawful, in some 
case, whilst the church is yet in present standing, 
to desert it; to wit, either for avoiding present 
polutions, or for hope of greater edification, and 
so for better satisfaction to conscience in either. 
Future events, or foresight of them do not dissolve 
present relations, else wives, children, servants, 
might desert their husbands, parents, masters, 
when they be mortally sick. 

3. What the members of the Jewish church did, 
in joining to the church at Antioch in time of per- 
secuuon, it may well be conceived the members 


= 


ofany christian church may do the like for satisfac- 
tion ofconscience. Peace of conscience is more de- 
sirable than the peace of the outward man ; and free- 
dom from scruples of conscience is more comfortable 
to a sincere heart, than freedom from persecution, 

If it be said, those members of the christian 
church at Jerusalem that joined to the church at 
Antioch, removed their habitati together with 
their relations; which if the b of the con- 
gregational way would do it would much abate 
the grievance of their departure from their pres- 
byterial churches. 

We verily could wish so to do, as well 
approving the like removal! of habitation, in case 
of changing church relations, provided that it 
may be done without too much detriment to their 
outward estates, and we for our parts have done 
the same. But to put a necessity of removal of 
habitation in such a case, it is to foment and 
cherish a corrupt principle of making civil cohab- 
itation if not a formal cause, yet at least a proper 
adjunct of church relation, which the truth of the 
gospel doth not acknowledge. Now to foment 
an error to the prejudice of the truth of the gospel, 
is not to: walk with a right foot, a ing to the 
truth of the gospel, as Pau/ judgeth, Gai. ii. 1. 

4. We do not think it meet or safe, for a mem- 
ber of a presbyterial church forthwith to desert 
his relation to his church, betake himself to the 
fellowship of a congregational church, though he 
may discern some defect in the estate or govern- 
ment of his own. For, 

1. Faithfulness of brotherly love in church re- 
lation requireth that the members of the church 
should first convince their brethren of their sinful 
defects, and duly wait for their reformation, before 


a 


blessing F 
prevail much with their elders and neighbours 
towards a reformation, i uch as that 


? 


ur e 


. But to add a word further, touching the ga- 
thering of churches out of churches : what if there 
were no example of such a thing extant in the 
scripture ? That which we are wont to answer the 


fourth book of conscience, in answer to two ques- 
tions chap. xiv.num. 16. Ifany said he, wronged with 


Li 


to another more pure, yet without condemning of 
the church he leaveth, he is not therefore to. be 
held as a ie = pay ee 
cious doctor deciareth the lawfulness of 


dwelling together in the same town, they may €2- 
sily order the times of public assembly, as to at- 
tend constantly upon the ministry of their former 
church ; and either after or before the public as- 
sembly of the parish, take an opportunity te ga- 
ther together for the administration of the sacra- 


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12 


ments and censures, and to get church ordinances 
poe The first apostolic church 
assembled to hear the word with the Jewish church 
in the open 1 Ag the lincaadraea' eae: 

thered together for breaking and r 
sou aitdhaneleenter, from house to house. 

3. Suppose presbyterial churches should com- 
municate some of their best gifted members to- 
wards the erecting of another church, it would not 
forthwith be their detriment, but may be their en- 
largement. It is the most noble and perfect work 
of a living creature, both in nature and grace, to 

i te and multiply his kind; and it is the 
Deaear-of the faithful spouse of Christ to set for- 
ward the work of Christ as well abroad as at home. 
The church in Cant. viii. 8. to help forward her 
little sister church was willing to with her 
choice materials, even beams of cedar, and such 
precious living stones as were fit to build a silver 
palace. In the same book the church is sometimes 
compared to a garden, sometimes to an orchard, 
Cant. iv. 12,13. No man planteth a garden or 
orchard, -tengrenrstenh a “y choicest sas and 

ts of his nei , an freely im 
omg nor do they count it a ter fl thes = 
and orchard, but rather a glory. Nevertheless, 
we go not sofar, we neither seek nor ask the choice 
members of the parishes, but accept them being 
offered. 

If it be said, they are not offered by the minis- 
ters, nor by the parish churches, who have most 
right in them, but only by ourselves, 

It may justly be demanded, what right or what 
power have either the ministers or parish church 
over them? Not by solemn church government, 
for that, though it be the firmest engagement, is not 


13 


owned, but rejected. If it be their joining with 
the parish in calling and election of a minister to 


indeed just weight in such an 


a minister, unless it be upon such as 
justly give him due catialaae aa 


hike there 
doubtless sundry and ious hearers in 
parishes in that do and will refer 


1 


14 


them. It never grieved nor troubled John Baptist 
that his disciples a Er frem him to follow after 
Christ, John iii. But if the congregational way 
should prove to be, not the institution of Christ, as 
we take it, but the invention of men, then doubtless 
the presbyterian form, if it be of God, will swallow 
up ie other, as Moses’s rod devoured the rods of 
the tians. Nor will this put a ecessity upon 
both the opposite parties to shift for themselves, 
and seck to supplant one another, but only it will 
call upon them (Aletheuein En Agape) w seek and 
follow the truth in Jove, to attend in faithfulness 
each unto his.own flock, and to administer to them 
all the holy things of God, and their portion of food 
in due season ; and as for others, quictly to forbear 
them, and yet to instruct them with meekness, that 
are contrary minded, leaving it to Christ, in the use 
of all good means, to reveal his own truth in his own 
time, and meanwhile endeavouring to keep the 
unity of the spirit in the bond of peace, Phil. iii. 
15. 16. Eph. iv. 3. 

To the second exception, that we take no course 
for the gaining and healing, and calling in of ignorant 
and erroneous persons, whom we refuse to receive 
into our churches, and so exclude them from the 
remedy of church discipline, 

We conceive the receiving of them into our 
churches, would rather loose and corrupt our 
churches, than gainand heal them. A little leaven 
laid ina lump of dough, will sooner leaven the 
whole lump, than the whole lump will sweeten it 
We find it therefore safer to square rough and un- 
hewn stones before they be laid into the building, 
rather than to hammer and hew them when they 
lie unevenly in the building. And accordingly twe 


r5 


means we use to gain and call in such as are igno- 
rant and scandalous. 

1. The public ministry of the word, which 
they are invited by counse), and required by whole- 
some laws. And the word it is, which is the pow- 
er of God to salvation, to the calling and winning 
of souls. 

2. Private conference, amd conviction by the 
elders, and other able brethren of the church, whom 
they do the more respectfully hearken unto, when 
they see no hope of enjoying church fellowship, or 
a ation pup geen for themselves or 

ir ti y approve their judgments to 
be sound and. orthodox, and their roll subdued to 
some hope of a godly conversation. What can 
classical discipline, or excommunication itself do 
more in this case. 

The third exception wraps up in it a_ threefold 
domestic inconvenience, and each of them meet 
to be eschewed. 1. Dis-union in families be- 
tween cach relation. 2. Disappointment of edifi- 


cation, for want of opportunity in the governors 
of families to take account of dines beard be their 
children and servants. 3. Disbursements of charge- 
able maintenance to the several churches, where- 
unto the several persons of their families are joined. 
_ All which a either do not fall out 
in congregational churches, or are easily redressed ; 
for none are orderly admitted cy uk i 
churches, but such as are well 

testumony to be duly observant of family be so : 
or if any otherwise disposed should creep in, they 
are either orderly healed, or duly removed in a 
way of Christ. Nor are they admitted, unless 

can give some good account of their profiti 
ordinances, before the elders and neal of the 


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16 

church, and much more to their parents and masters. 
Godly tutors in the university can take an account 
of their pupils ; and godly householders in the city 
take an account of their children and servants, how 
they profit by the word they have heard in several 
churches, and that to the greater edification of the 
whole family, by the variety of such administrations. 

may bring more honey and wax into the hive, 
when they are not limited to one garden of flowers, 


but may fly abroad to many. 
Nor is any charge expected from wife, children 
or servants to the maintenance of tional 


churches, further than they may be furnished with 
personal estates or —- which may enable them 
to contribute of such things as they have, and 
not of such things as they have not. God : 
eth not robbery for a sacrifice. And though a 

householder may justly take himself bound in con- 
science to contribute to any such church, whereto 
his wife, or children, or servants do stand in rela- 
tion, yet that will not vate the burthen of his 
charge no more than if were reccived mem- 
bers of the same church whereto himself is related. 

But why do we stand thus long to plead exem 

tions from exception? The help all his faith. 
ful servants, whether presbyterial or eh a, patel 
al, to judge and shame ourselves before the Lord, 
for all our former compliances to greater enormi- 
ties in church government than are to be found 
either in the congregational or byterial way ; 
and then surely a the Lord will clear up his 
own will to us, and so frame and subdue us all to 
one mind and one way, (Zzek. xliii. 10, 11.) or else 
we shall learn to bear one another’s burthens in a 
spirit of meekness. It will then doubtless be far 
from us, so toattest the discipline of Christ, as to de- 


17 

test the disciples of Christ: so to contend for the 
seamless coat of Christ, as to crucify the living mem- 
bers of Christ ; so to divide ourselves about church 
communion, as gh breaches to open a wide 

p for a deluge of anti-christian and profane mia-. 
fignit to swallow up botlrchurch and civil state. 
ls dale on more ? Is difference of cl : 
order become the inlet of all the disorders in the 
kinedom? Hath the Lord indeed left us to such — 
hardness of heart, that the church government 
shall become a snare to Zion, as sometimes Moses 
was to Egypt, Exod. xx. 7, that we cannot leave 
contesting and. contending about it, till the king- — 


dom be destroyed ? Did not the Lord Jesus, whet 
he dedicated his sufferings for his church, and his 
also unto his Father, e it hi. earnest and 


prayer forus in this world, that we allmight be one — 
in him, John xvii. 20, 21, 22,23, And is it possi--— 
ble that he, whom the Father heard always, John — 
xi. 42, should not have this last nfost 
pe ee al ree Or shall it be 
Reh hie oabets elsewhere and .not for the saints 
in England, so that a 
w even about church ee union? — 
f it be possible for a little faith, so muc as agrain 
of mustard seed, to remove a mountain, is it mot — 
Haaren the te | of faith as it is, tobe © 
und in all the godly kingdoms, to remove those 
i of jealousy, and ‘to cast those stumbling. 
blocks out of the way, which may hinder the free — 
passage of brotherly love amongst brethren? Itis 
true indeed, the national covenant doth justly en- — 
gage both parties faithfully to endeavour the utter 
extirpation of the antichristian hierarchy; and 
much more of all blasphemies, heresies, and errors. 
B2 


them. dis-union shall — 


. ef} if, 
i 


Ry cas 


needed not the of the Samaritans to re-edify 
the temple of ; yea, they rejected their help 
wher it was offered, ELzraiv, 1,2, 3. And if the 


congregational way be a way of truth, as we be- 
lieve, and if the brethren that walk in it be reslous 
of the truth and hate false way, as by the 

their are instructed 


END OF THE PREFACE. 


PLATFORM. 


ecg 1 i 


‘CHAP. I. - 


| Of the form of church government ; and that it 


one, immutable, and prescribed in the world. 


church 


ECCLESIASTICAL polity, or 


* 


20 


to the second commandment, and therefore tocon- _ 
tinue one and the same unto the appearing of our | 
i ‘that cannot be | 
shaken, until he shall deliver it up unto God, | 


Lord Jesus Christ, as a 


even to the Father. So that it is not left in the 
power of men, officers, churches, or any state in 
the world to add or diminish, or alter any thing 
in the least measure therein. 1 Zim. iii 15. 1 
Chron. xv. 18. Exod. xx. 4. 1 Tim. vi. 13, 16. 
Heb. xii. 27, 28. 1 Cor. xv. 24. Deut. xii. 32. 


4. The necessary circumstances, as time and | 


place, &c. belonging unto order and decency, are 
not so left unto men, as that under estes of thom, 
they may thrust their own inventions upon the 
churches, bei + aggre bn word with 
many general limitations, where are deter- 
mined in respect of the matter, to be neither wor- 
ship itself, nor circumstances 


cently and in order, according to the nature of the 
—— themselves, and civil and church custom: 


not even nature itself teach you? Yea; 4 
are in some sort determined perticularly, © 
jae , that they be done in such a manner, as, all | 
eircumstances considered, is most expedient for | 
edification : so as if there be no error of man — 
concerning their determination, the determining _ 


of them is to be accounted as if it were divine. 


Ezek. xiiii. 8. 1 Kings xii. 31, 32, 33. 9 Kings | 
23 r 


xii. Exod. xx. 19. Isa. xxviii. 13. Col. i. 22, 23. 
Acts xv. 28. Mat. xv. 9. 1 Cor. xi, 28. and viii. 
34. 1 Cor. xiv. 26 and xiv. 40, and xi. 14, 16. 
and xiy, 12, 19. Acts xy. 28. 


from wor. | 


2} 


CHAP. IL. 


Of the nature of the catholic church in general, and 
in spenial of a particular visible churc. 


THE catholic church is the whole company of - 
those that are elected, redeemed, and in time ef- 
fectually called from the state of sin and 
unto a state of and salvation in Jesus Christ, 
Eph. i. 22, 23, and y. 25, 26, 30. : 
2. This church is either tridmphant or mili- 
tant; triumphant, the number of them who are 
mg Bes heaven; salt number .of 
who are conflicting wi “enemies upon 
earth. Heb, xii. 23. Rom. viii. 17. 2 Tim. ii. 12. 


in their persons and in particular churches, / 
so there may be acknowledged an universal 
church. 2 Tim. ii. 19. Mev. ii. 17. 1 Cor. vi. 
17. Eph.iii. 17. Rom.i.8. 1 Thess.i.8. Tea. 
ii. 2. 1 Tim. vi. 12. scan 
4, The members of the visible militant church 
considered either as not yet in church order, or 
bo | according to the church order of the gos 
pel. In order, and so besides the spiritual 
and communion common to believers, they 
moreover an union and communion ecc ical - 
pelivical. So we deny an universal visible church. 
Acts xix.1. Col. ii. 5. Mat, xviii. 17. 1 Cor. 12. 


‘\ 


22 


5. The state of the members of the mili 
visible church walking in ordcr, was dither | ire 


the law, economical, that is in families; or 

der the, law national ; or since the coming of Christ 
only congregational. The term independent we 
approvenot. Therefore neither national, provincial 
nor classical. Gen. xviii. 19. Exod. xix. 6. 

_ 6. A congregational church is by the institu- 
tion of Christa part of the militant visible church 
consisting of a company of saints by calling, uni. 
ted into. one body by an holy covenant, for the 
public worship of God, and the mutual edifica- 
ton one of another, in the fellowship of the Lord 


Jesus. 1 Cor. xiv. 23, 36. and i. 2 ii 
. XIV. ‘ . 2. and xi. 27. 
. xod. xix. 5. 6. Deut. xxix. l. and9t 
u. 42. 1 Cor. xiv. 26. disdain 
os Rey 
CHAP. III. 


Of the matter of the visible ehurch, both in respect 
of quality and quantity. 


Tue matter of a visi 
; isible church are sai 
calling. 1. Cor. i. 2. Eph. i 1. ait 
2. By saints we understand, 1. such as have 
not only attained the knowledge of the principles 
of religion, and are free from gross and open 
scandals, but also do together with the profession 
of their faith and repentance, walk in blameless 
obedience to the word, so that in charitable dis- 
cretion they may be accounted saints by calling, 
though perhaps some or more of them be unsound 
and hypocrites inwardly, because the members 
of such particular churches are commonly by the 
Holy Ghost called saints and faithful brethren 


eo 


23 


in Christ; and sundry churches have been reprov- 

ed for receiving and suffering such persons to con- 

tinue in fellowship amongst them, as have been 

offensive and scandalous ; the name of God also 

by this means is blasphemed, and the holy th 

of God defiled and profaned, the hearts of 
grieved, and the wicked themselves hard- 


godl 
- ened and helped forward to damnation. 


example of such doth endanger the sanctity of 
others : a little leaven leaveneth the whole ae 

2. The children of such, who are also holy. 

vi. 1. 1 Cor. i. 5. Rom. vi. 17. 1 Cor. i, 2. Phil 
32. Col. i.2. Eph.i1. 1 Cor v. 12, 13. 
Rev. ii. 14, 15, 20. Ezek. xliv. 7, 9. and xxiil. 38, 
39. Num. xvi. 20. Hag. ii, 15. 14. 1 Cor. xi. 27 
29, Psal. xxxvii. 21. 1 Cor. v. 6. 2 Cor. vii. 14. 

3. The members of churches, though orderly 
constituted, may in time degenerate and grow 
corrupt and scandalous, which though they ought 
not to be tolerated in the church, yet their con- 
tinuance therein, through the defect of the ex- 
ecution of discipline and just censures, doth not 
immediately dissolve the being of a church, as 
appears in the church of Isracl, and the churches 
of Galatia and Corinth, Pergamus and Thyatyra. 
Jer. ii. 21. 1 Cor. v. 12. Jer. ii. 4. Gal. v. 4, 2 
Cor. xii. 21. Rev. ii, 14, 15. and xx. 21. 

4. The matter of the church in respect of its 
quantity, ought not to be of greater number than 
may ordinarily meet together conveniently in 
one place ;_ nor ordinarily fewer, than may con- 
veniently carry on church work. Hence when 
the holy scripture makes mention of the saints 
combined into a church estate, in a town or C 
where was but one congregution, it usually call- 
eth those saints (the church) in the singular num- 


a 


Be 


echo, Gals 
(Sead vali 
teh ne ae o 


+ Leet rts % 
eaten i Pe 


ie 


My 
l . din 
ie + , 

f ie: 
terry 
5 nf 
af 
‘ 
ee ¢ 7 
, ‘ 
, 
wy 
. & Lt 


4; 


i 
a 


4 


24 


ber; as, the church of the Thessalonians, the 
church of Smyrna, Philadelphia, and the like; but 
When it speaketh of the saints in a nation or prov- 
ince, wherein there were su i 


congregations, 
it frequently and usually calicth them by the 


name of churches, in the plural number, as the 
churches of Asia, Galatia, Macedonia, and the 
hike ; which is further confirmed by what is writ- 
ten of sundry of those churches in particular, how 
they were assembled and met t +, the whole 
church in one place, as the church at Jerusalem, 
the chureh at Antioch, the church at Corinth, and 
Cenchrea, though it were more near to Corinth, it 
being the port thereof, and answerable to a vil- 
lage, yet being a distinct congregation from Co- 
rinth, it had a church of its own, as wellas Co- 
rinth had. 1 Cor. xiv, 21. Mat. xviii. 17. Rom. 
xvi. 1. 1 Thess. i.1. Rev. ii. 8. and iii. 7. 1 Cor. 
xvi. 1, 19. Gali.2. 2 Cor. viii. 1. 1 Thess. 
ii. 14. Aets ii. 46. and v. 12, and vi. 2. and xiv. 
27. and xv. 38. 1. 5. 4 and xiv. 23. Rom. 
xvi. 1. 

5. Nor can it with reason be eon aoe 
every church appointed and ordained by Christ, 
had a ministry ordained and appointed for the 
same; and yet plain it is, that there were no ordi- 
nary officers appointed by Christ for any other 
than 2 Gay ee churches ; elders being ap- 
pointed to » hot all flocks, but the particu- 
lar flock of God over which the Holy Ghost hd 
made them overseers, and that flock they must at- 
tend, even the whole flock ; and one congregation 
being as much as any ordinary elder can attend, 
therefore there is no greater church than a con- 
ee. which may ordinarily meet in one piace, 
Acts xx, 28. 


25 


CHAP. IV. 
Of the form of a visible church, and of church 


cavenant. : 


S AINTS by calling must have a visible political 
union among themselves, or ‘clse they are not yet © 
a particular church, as those similitudes . 
forth, which the scripture makes use of to shew 
the nature of particular churches, as a body, a build- 
ing, house, hands, eyes, feet, and other members 
must be united, or else (remaining separate) are 
not abody. Stone, timber, though squared, hewn 
and polished, are not a house, until they are com- 
pacted and united ; so saints ur believers im judg 
ment of charity are nota church, unless orderly 
knit together. 1 Cor. xii. 27. 1 Tim. iii. 15, 
Eph, ii. 22. 1 Cor. xii 15, 16, 17. fev. i. 

2. Particular churches cannot be distinguished 
one from another, but by their forms: Ephesus is 
not Smyrna, nor Pergamus, Thyatira, but cach one 
a distinct society of itself, having officers of their 
own, which had not the charge of others ; virtues of 
their own, for which others are not praised ; corrup- 
tions of their own, for which others are not blamed, 

3. This form is a visible covenant, agreement, 
or consent, whereb; they give up themselves unto 
the Lord, to the observing of the ordinances of 
Christ together in the same society, which is usual- 
ly called the church covenant; For we see not 
otherwise how members can have church power 
one over another mutually. | The comparing of 
each particular church to acity, and unto a spouse, 
seemeth to conclude not only a form, but that form 
is by way of covenant. “The covenant, as it was 

C 


26 


that which made the family of .4draham, and chil- 
dren of Jsrae/to be a chureh and people unto God, 
so it is that which now makes the several societies 
of Gentile believers to be churches in these days. 
Exod. xix. 5,8. Deut. xxix. 12,13. Zech. xi. 14. 
and ix, 11. Eph. ii. 19. 2Cor. xii. 2. Gen. xvii. 7. 
Deut. xxix. 12, 13. Eph. ii. 12, 18. 

4. This voluntary agreement, consent or cove- 
nant, (for all these are taken here for the same) 
although the more express and plain it is, the more 
fully it puts us in mind of our mutual duty, and 
stirreth us up to it, and leaveth less room for the 
questioning truth of the church estate of a 
company of professors, and the truth of member- 
ship of particular persuns; yet we conceive the 
substance of it is kept, where there is a real agree- 
ment and consent of a company of faithful persons 
to meet constantly together in one congregation, 
for the public worship of Ged, and thew mutual 
edification; which real agreement and consent they 
do express by their constant ice in coming 

for the public worshtp of God, and by 
their religious subjection to the ordinances of God 
there; the rather if we consider how scripture 
covenants have been entered into not only cxpressly 
by word of mouth, but by sacrifice, by hand writing 
and seal, and also sometimes by silent consent, 
without any writing or expression of words at all. 
Ewed. xix. 5. xx. 8 and 24. 3,17. Josh. 
xxiv. 18, 24. Psal. lL 5. Neh. ix. 3, 8, and 
10. Gen. i. 17. Deut. xxix. 

5. This form being by mutual covenant, it 
followeth, it is not faith in the heart, nor the 
— of that faith, nor cohabitation, nor 

aptism. 1. Not faith in the heart, because that 
is invisible. | 2. Nota bare profession, because 


27 


that declareth them no more to be the members of 
one church than another. 3. Not cobabitation ; 
atheists or infidels may dwell together with believ- 
ers. 4. Not baptism, because it pre-supposeth a 
church estate, as circumcision inthe old testament, 
which gave no being to the church, the church be- 
ing before it, and in-the»wilderness without it. 
Seals pre-suppose a covenaint already in being. 
One person is a ee subject of ar ge but 
one personis uncapable of being a church. 

6. All believers ought, as God giveth them 
opportunity thereunto, to endeavour to join them- 
selves unto a particular church, and in _re- 
2 of the honour of Jesus Christ, m hiy ¢xam- 

an 


i 
F 


special in the ; whence they have 
fellowship with him, and in him on thane 
also, for the ne of them in the way of God’s 


recovering of them in case of 

ing, which ali Christ’s sheep are subject to 

in this life, being unable to return themselves ; 
together with the benefit of their mutual edifica- 
tion, and of their posterity, that they may not be 
cut off from an sen am of the covenant. Oth. 
erwise, if a believer offends, he remains destitute 
of the remedy provided in that behalf. And should 
all believers neglect this duty of joining to all par- 
ticular congregations, it might follow thereupon, 
that Christ should have no visible political churches 
upon earth. Acts ii. 24, and ix. 26. Mat. iii, 


28 


13, 14, 15, and 28, 29, 30. Psal. cxxiii. 2, 3. and 
Ixxxvii. 7. Maz. xviii. 20. 1 Johni. 3. Psal. cxix. 
176. 1 Pet. ii. 25. Eph. iv, 16. Joh. xxii. 24, 25. 
Mat. xviii. 15, 16, 17. 


=e 
CHAP ¥. 


Of the first subject of church power ; or, to whom 
church power doth first belong. 


Tue first subject of church power is either 
supreme or subordinate and ministerial ; the su- 
reme, by way of gift from the Father, is the 
yee Jesus Christ: The ministerial is cither ex- 
traordinary as the apostles, prophets and evan- 
gelists ; or ordinary, as every particular congre- 
gational church. Mart. xvii. 18. Rev. iil. 7. 
Tsa. ix. 6. John xx. 21, 23. 1 Cor. xiv. 32. Tit. 
cies oR Cor. v. 12. 

2. Ordinary church power, is either the power 
of office, that is, such as is proper to the eldership, 
or power of privilege, such as belongs to the bro- 
therhood. ‘The latter is in the brethren formally, 
and immediately from Christ, that is, so as it may 
be acted or exercised immediately by themselves ; 
the former is not in them formally or immediately, 
and therefore cannot be acted or exercised imine- 
diately by them, but is said to be in them, in 
that they design the persons unto office, who on- 
ly are to act, or to exercise this power. Rom. 
xil. 4,8. Acts i. 2, 3. and vi. 3, 4. and xiv. 23. 
1 Cor. x. 29, 30. 


ee ee 
ain? wey 


Foe 


29 


CHAP. VI. 


Of the officers of the church, and especially of pas- 
tors and teachers. 


A CHURCH being a company of people com- 
bined together by covenant for the worship of God, 
it appearcth thereby, there may be the essence 
and being of a church without any officers, see- 
ing there is both the form and matter of a church ; 
which is implied when it is said, the apostles or- 
dained elders in every church, 4ets xiv. 23. 

2. Nevertheless, though officers be not absolute- 
ly necessary to the simple being of churches, when 
they be called, yet ordinarily to their calling they 
are, and to their well being, and therefore the 
Lord Jesus, out of his tender compassion, hath ap- 

inted and ordained officers, which he would not 

ve done, if they had not been useful and need- 
ful for the church ; yea, being ascended into heav- 
en, he received gifts for men, and gave gifts to 
men, whereof officers for the church are justly ac- 
counted no small parts, they being to continue to 
the end of the worid, and for the perfecting of all 
the saints. Rom. x. 17. Jer. iii. 15. 1 Cor. xii. 
28. Eph. iv. 11. Psal. \xviii. 18. Eph. iv. 8, 11. 
and iy. 12, 13. 

S. These officers were cither extraordinary o 
ordinary : extraordinary, as apostles, p ' 
evangelists ; ordinary, as elders and deacons. 
The apostles, prophets, and evangelists as they 
were called extraordinarily by Christ, so their office 
ended with themselves; whence it is that Paul 
directing Timothy how to carry along chutch ad- 
ministrations, giveth no direction about the choiet 

C 2 


30 


apostles, prophets, or evangelists, but 
only of elders and deacons ; and sie was 
to take his last leave of the church of Ephesus, he 
committed the care of the church to no 
other but unto the elders of church. The 
like charge doth Peter commit tothe elders. 1 Coy. 
xii. 18. iv. 11. Acts. viii. 6, 16, 19. and xi. 
28. Rom. xi. 13. 1 Cor. iv. 9. 1 Tim. iii. 1, 2, 8 to 
13. Tit. i. 8. Acts xx. 17, 28. 1 Pet. v. 1, 2,3. 

4. Of elders, who are also in scripture called 


Ve ; m 
bishops, some attend chiefly to the ministry of the 
teachers 


word, as the pastors and ; others attend 
especially unto rule, who are therefore called rul- 
ing elders. 1 Zim. ii. 3. Phil. i. 1. Acts xx. 17. 
28. — = 7. P 

5. office of pastor and teacher, appears td 
be distinct. The Ss egiealal dowath,ia to aetied 
to exhortation, and therein to administer a word of 
wisdom ; the teacher is to attend to doctrine, and 
therein to administer a word of knowledge; and 
cither of them to administer the seals of that cove- 
nant, unto the dispensation whereof they are alike 
called ; as also to execute the censures, being but 
a kind of application of the word: The i 
of which, together with the application thereof, 
they are alike charged withal. pA. iv. 11. Rom. 
xii. 7, 8. 1 Cor. xii. 8. 2 T7Tim. iv. 1, 2. Titus 
i. 9. 

6. And forasmuch as both pastors and teachers 
are given by Christ for the perfecting of the saints, 
and edifying of his body; which saints and body 
of Christ is his church: And therefore we account 
pastors and teachers to be both of them church 
officers, and not the pastor for the church, and the 
teacher only for the schools: Though this we glad- 
v acknowledge, that schools are both lawful, pro- 


a 


te 


~ 


$l 


fitable, and necessary for the training up of such in 
literature or i be 


! — 
church. pA. iv. 11, 12. and i. 22, 23. 1 Sam. 
x. 12, 19, 20. 2 Kings ii. 3, 15. 


a 
CHAP. VII. 
Of ruling elders and deacons. 


THE ruling elder’s office is distinct from the 
office of pastor and teacher. The ruling elders 


ing 
the former. om. xii. 7, 8,9. 1 
2 


speedy dispatch. 4. To moderate the carriage of 
all matters in the church assembled; as, to pro- 


rank and place, without a calling, or idl 
7. To prevent and su 
in life or in doctrine, as might corrupt the church. 
8. To feed the flock of God with a word of ad- 
shall be sent for, to 


visit and pray over the sick . 10. Andat 
other times as ity shall serve thereunto. 
1 Tim. v. 17. 2 . xxiii. 19. Rev. xxi. 21. 


1 Tim. iv. 14. Mat. xxviii. 17. 2 Cor. a. 7, 8. 
Acts xxi. 18, 22, 23. and vi. 2, 3. and xiii. 15. 
2 Cor. viii. 19. Heb. xiii. 7, 17. 2 Thess. ii. 10, 
Il, 12. Acts xx. 28, 32. 1 Thess. v. 12. James 
v. 14. Acts xx. 20. 

8. The office of a deacon is instituted in the 
ehurch by the Lord Jesus; sometimes they are 
The scripture telleth us how 
should be qualified, ‘* Grace, not double 


given i filthy lucre.”’ 
They must first be q 

of a deacon, being 
and work of a deacon, is to receive the offerings of 
the church, it ines tate earch; bid ww beep 
the treasury of the church, and therewith to serve 
the tables which the church is to provide for; as 
the Lord’stable, the table of the ministers, and of 
such as are in necessity, to whom they are to dis- 
tribute in simplicity. Acts vi. 3. Phil. i. 1. 
1 Tim. iii. 8. 1 Cor. xii. 28. 1 Tim. ii. 8, 9. Actes 
iv. 35, and vi. 2,3. Rom, 12, 8. 


3 
$ 
3 
§ 
z 
z 
3 
§ 
ro} 


oe 


358 

4. The office therefore being limited unto the 
care of the temporal good things of the church, it 
extends not to the attendance upon, and adminis- 
tration of the spiritual things thereof, as the word 
and sacraments, or the like. 1 Cor. vii. 17. _~ 

5. The ordinance of the apostle, and 
of the church, commends the Lord’s day as a fit: 
time for the contribution of the saints. 1. Cor, 
xvi. 1, 2, 3. 

6. The instituting of all these officers in the 
church, is the work of God himself, of the Lord 
Jesus Christ, of the Holy Ghost ; and therefore 
such officers as he hath not appointed are 
ther unlawful either to be placed in the chu 
or to be retained therein, and are to be looked at 
as human creatures, mere inventions, 
ee a to the great di of Christ - 

esus the Lord ofhis house, the king of his church, 
whether popes, patriarchs, cardinals, arch- 
lord-bishops, arch-deacons, officials, issari 
and the like. These and the rest of that hierarchy 
and retinue, not being plants of the Lord’s t. 

ing, shall all be certainly rooted out and cast forth, 

1 Cor. xii. 28. Eph. iv. 8,11. Acts xx. 28. 
Mat. xv. 13. 

7. The Lord hath appointed ancient widows, 
where they may be had, to minister in the church, 
in giving attendance to the sick, and to give suc- 
cour unto them, and others in the like necessities. 
1 Tim. v. 9, 10. 


34 


CHAP. VIII. 
Of the election of church officers. 


N O man may take the honour of a church offi- 
cer unto himself, but he that is called of God, as 
was Aaron. Heb. v. 4. 
2. Calling unto office is either immediate, by 
= egg gga was the call of the apostles 
is manner of calling ended with 
a hath been rat 


3. It is meet that before any be ordained, or 
chosen officers, they should be first tried'and proved, 
because hands are not suddenly to be laid upon 
any, and both elders and deacons must be of han. 
est and 1 Tim. v. 22. and vii. 10. 
Acts xvi 2. vi. 3. 


i asarelaiddown. 1 7im. iii. 2. Tie. 
i. 6 to9. Deacons to be fitted as is directed, 
Acts vi. 3. 1. Tim. iii. 8 to 11. 


5. Officers are to be called by such churches 
whereunto they are to minister. Ofsuch moment 
is the preservation of this power, that the churches 
exercised itin the presence of the apostles. -4cts 
xiv. 23. andi. 23, and vi. 3, 4, 5. 

6. A church being free, cannot become — 
to any, but by a free election ; yet when such a 
people do choose any to be over them in the Lord, 
then do they become subject, ang most willingly 


35 


submit to their ministry in the Lord, whom they 
have so chosen, Gel. y. 3. Hed. xiii. 17. 
7. And if the church have power to choose their 


officers and ministers, then in case of manifest un- - 


worthiness and delinquency, they have power also 
to depose them : for to open and shut, to choose and 
refuse, to constitute in efhce and remove from of- 


fice, are acts belonging to the same power. Hom, 


xvi. 17. 
8. We judge it much conducing to the well be- 
ing and communion of churches, that where it may 


conveniently be done, neighbour churches be 
vised withal, and their help be made use of in the 
trial of church officers, in order to their choi, 
Cant. viii. 8, 9. 

9. The choice of such church officers belongeth 
not to the civil maagistrates, as such, or diocesan 
bishops, or patrons ; for of these, or any such like, 
the scripture is wholly silent, as having any power 
therein. 


a 
CHAP. IX. 
Of ordination and imposition of hands. 


CHURCH officers are not only to: be Ghee 
by the church, but also to be ordained «Bh 
position of hands and prayer, with which at the or- 
dination of elders, fasting also is to be joined, ets 
xiii. 3. and xiv. 23. 1 Tim, v. 22. 

2. This ordination we account nothing else but 
the solemn putting a man into his place and office 
in the church, whereunte he had right before by 
election ; being like the installing of a i 
in the commonwealth. Ordination is 


So 


not to go before but to follow election. The es- 
sence and substance of the outward calling of an 
ordinary officer in the church, doth not consist in 
his ordination, but in his voluntary and free elec- 
tion by the church, and his accepting of that elec- 
tion ; whereupon is founded that relation between 

or and flock, between such a minister and such 
a people. Ordination doth not constitute an off- 
cer, nor give him the essentials of his office. ‘The 
apostles were elders without imposition of hands 
by men ; Pau/ and Barnabas were officers before 
that pane of hands, ets xiii. 3. The pos- 
terity of Levi were priests and levites, before hands 
were laid on them by the children of Israel, Numé. 
vill. 10. Acts vi. 5, 6. and xiii. 2, 3. and xiv. 23. 
1 Tim. iv. 14. 1 Tim. v. 22. 

3. In such churches where there are elders, im- 
ition of hands in ordination, is to be performed 
those elders. 

4. In such churches where there are no elders, 
imposition of hands may be performed by some of 
2S Sectinen orderly x ie te the church there- 
unto. For if the people may elect officers, which 
is the greater, and wherein the substance of the of- 
fice doth consist, they may much more, occasion 
and need so requiring, impose hands in ordination, 
which is less, and but the accomplishment of the 
other. Numb. viii. 10. 

5. Nevertheless, in such churches where there 
are no elders, and the church so desire, we sce not 
why imposition of hands may not be performed by 
the clders of other churches. Ordinary officers 
laid hands upon the officers of many churches : 
The presbytery at Ephesus laid hands upon Timo- 
thy, an evangelist ; the presbytery at Antioch laid 


37 
hands upon Pau/and Barnabus, 1 Tim. iv. 14. Acts 


xiii. 3. 


6. Church officers are officers to one church, 
Fn 


4.4 


even that particular church oy ich 
Ghost hath made them orcineee a 
elders are commanded to feed, not all 
a aa Pe nose is committed to their faith : 
rust, and dependeth upon them. con- 
stant residence at one ye" i sa be wate 
- a Rage no, nor yet lawful, if he be 
Inister to one zatio th 
church universal , because reny he Re S 
em an of Ars church to which he is a minister, 
is Called to attend unt 
a fe ty he unte all the flock. 1 Peg, 
7. He that is clearly loosed f; i 
lation unto that earch oto Napotl — 
wre looked at as an officer, nor n 
act of office in any other church, unless ’ 
orderly called unto office ;_ which ret re 
we know nothing to hinder, but imposition of 
also in his ordination ought to be used towards 
again, For so Paul the apostle received 


tion of hands twice at least las, Acts 
17. and xiii. 3. en ae = 


ee 
CHAP. X. 


Of the power of the church and its presbytery, 


SUPREME and 

lordl 
churches upon the ot dts cok: waif. 
— Christ, who is king of the church and 
cad thereof. He hath the government u 
shoulders, and hath all power given to him in 


38 


heaven and earth, Psal. ii. 6. Eph. i. 21,22. Isa. 
ix. 6. Mat. xxviii. 18. 

2. Aco of professed believers ecclesias- 
are a church, before 
they have officers, and without them ; so even in 
that estate, subordinate church , under Christ, 

i doth Bilge 00: thesn in 
such a manner as is before ex , Chap. 5. 
ing from the very nature and es- 
sence of a church : It being natural to all bodies, 
ance unto a church body, to be furnished with 

ient power for its own preservation and sub- 
sistence. Acts i, 23. and xiv. 23 and vi. 3, 4. 
Mat. xviii. 17. 1 Cor. v. 4, 5. 


and or from Christ granted unto them, it re- 
and 


committed unto them, it is an aristocra- 
cy. Rev. iii. 7. 1 Cor. v.12. 1 Tim. v. 27. 

4. The a power which is peculiar unto 
Christ is exerci 1. In calling the church out 
of the world unto holy fellowship with himself. 
2. In instituting the ordinances of his worship, 
and appointing his ministers and officers for the 
dispensing of them. 3. In giving laws for the 
ordering of all our ways, and the ways of his housc. 
4. In giving power and life to all his institutions, 
and to his people by them. 5. In protecting and 
delivering his church against and from all the ene. 
mies of their peace. Gal. i. 4. Rev. v. 8,9. Mar. 


39 


xxviii. 20. Eph. iv. 8, 11. Jam. iv. 12. Isa. xxxiil. 
22. 1 Tim. ii. 15. 2Cor. x. 4, 5. Zsa. xxx 
Luke xvii. 1. , 

5. ‘The power granted by Christ unto the holy 
body of the church and brotherhood, is a 
tive or privilege which the church doth creel 
1. In choosing their own officers, whether elders 
deacons. 2. In admission of their own members, 
and therefore there is great reason they ‘should 
have power to remove any from their f 
again. Hence in case of offence, any 
hath power to convince and admonish an offen 
brother ; and in case of not hearing him, to t 
one or two more to set on the admonition; and: 
case of not hearing them, to proceed to tell @ 
church ; and as his offence may require, the whe 
church hath er to proceed to the cens 
him, whether by admonition or excomm 
and upon his repentance, to restore him ag 
his former communion. Acts iii: 5. and xiv. 
and ix. 26. ‘Mat: xviii. 15, 16, 17. Ti. tii. 
Col. iv. ¥7. 2 Cor. ii. 7, 8. | : 

6. In case anelder offend incorrigibly, | 
ter so , as the church had ' 
him to office, so they have power 
der (the council of other churches, where it 
be had, directing thereto) to remove him from” 
office; and being now ‘but a member, in ¢ 
add contu to his ‘sin, the church 
power to receive him into their fellowship, 
also the same power to cast him out, that they 
concerning any other member. Col. iv. 17. 
xvi. 17. Mat. xviii. 17. 

7. Church government or rule, is 
Christ in the officers of the church, who are 
fore called rulers, while they rule with God; 


<2 


40 


in case of mal-administration, they are subject to 
the power of the church, as hath been said before. 
The Holy Ghost frequently, yea always, where it 
mentioned church rule, and church government, 


governors, 
erned in the Lord. 1 Tim. v. 17. Heb. xiii. 17. 


tthe judgment or sentence of the elders, with- 
out sufficient and weighiy cause, because such 
practices are manifestly contrary unto order and 
government, and inlets of disturbances, and tend 
to confusion. dets xx. 28. and vi. 2. Niumd. xvi. 
12. Ezek. xivi. 10. Asts xiii. 15. Hos. iv. 4 
9. It belongs also unto the elders to examine 
any officers or members before they be received of 
the church ; to receive the accusations brought to 
the church, and to prepare them for the church’s 
hearing. In handling of offences, and other matters 
before the church, they have power to declare and 
publish the counsel and will of God, touching the 
sime, and to pro.ounce sentence with consent af 


the church. Lastly, They have power; =a . 
dismiss the people, in the “Ss 
the Lord. Rev. ii. 2. 1 Tim. v. 19. Acts xxi. 18. 
2223. 1 Cor. v. 4,5. Num. vi. 23 to 36, 


10. This power of in the elder | 
doth not any wise prejudice the of pr = 
in the ; as neither > power Of | 


power, who took in the concurr 
of the brethren in church 


out the consent of 


Of the maintenance of church officers. 


41 


to bless them 


; 


both. 
TB 


CHAP. XI. 


THE apostie concludes, that necessary and suifi- 


cient maintenance 
D 


‘s due unto the ministers of the 
9 


= 4 
cn i COT xis aS ie) ae 


42 


word, from the law of nature and nations, from the 
law of Moses, the equity thereof, as also the rule of 
common reason. Moreover, the scripture doth not 
only call elders, labourers, and workmen, but also 

caking of them doth say, that the labourer is wor- 

of his hire; and requires, that he which is 
taught in the word should communicate to him in 
ull good things ; and mentions it as an ordinance 
of the Lord, that they which preach the gospel 
should live of the ; and forbiddeth the muz- 
zling the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. 
L Cor. ix. 14,15. Mat. ix. 38. and x. 10. 1 Tim. 
ve 2. os vi. 6. 1 Cor. ix. 9, 14. 

. scriptures alledged, requiring this main- 
tenance as a bounden duty and due debt, and not 
4 a matter of alms and free gift, therefore people 
are not at liberty to do or not to do, what BE fa 
they please in this matter, no more than in any 
other commanded duty, and ordinance of the Lord ; 
but ought of duty to minister of their carnal things, 
to them that labour among them in the word and 
doctrine, as well as they ought to pay any other 
Workmen their wages, and to discharge and satisfy 
their other debts, or to submit themselves to ob- 
serve any other ordinance of the Lord. Rom. xv. 
27. a osx. S. 

3. The apostle (Gal. vi. 6.) enjoining that he 
which is taught communicate to him hot ipacheth 
in all good things, doth not leave it arbitrary, what 
or how much a man shall give, or in what propor- 
tion, but even the latter, as well as the former is pre- 
scribed and appointed by the Lord. 1 Cor. xvi. 2. 

4. Not only members of churches, but all that 
are taught in the word, are to contribute unto him 
that teacheth in all good things. In case that con- 
gregations are defective in their contributions, the 


43 


deacons are to call upon them to do their duty; iff 
their call sufficeth not,,the church by her power is 
to require it of their members ; and where church 
power, through the corruption of men, doth not 
or cannot attain the end, the ow is to see 
that the ministry be duly provided for, as appears 
from the a Pind eot Nehemiah, The 

istrates ure nursing-fathers and ing-mo- 
thers, and stand charged with the custedy af both 
tables; because it is better to prevent a scandal 
that it may not come, and easier also, than to re- 
move it when it is given. It is most suitable to rule, 
that by the church’s care each man should know 
his proportion according to rule, what he should 
do before he do it, that so his judgment and heart 
may be satisfied in what he doth, and just offence 
prevented in what is done. -4cts vi. 3, 4. Neh 
<iti, 11. Zsa. xlix. 23. 2 Cor. viii, 13, 14. 


a 


CHAP. XII. 
Of the admission of members into the church. 


THE doors of the churches of Christ upon earth, 
do not by God’s appointment stand so wide open, 
that ali sorts of people, good or bad, may enter 
therein at their pleasure, but such as are admitted 
thereto as members ought to be examined and 
triedfirst, whether they be fit and meet to be re- 
ceived into church society or not. The eunuch ° 
of Ethiopia, before his admission was examined by 

Philip, whether he did believe on Jesus Christ w 

all bis heart. Theangel of the church at Ephesus is 
commended for trying such as said they were apos- 
tles and were not. ‘here is like reason for trying: 


be 


44 


of them that profess to be believers. ‘The officers 
are charged with the keeping of the doors of the 
church, and therefore are in a special manner to 
make trial of the fitness of such whoenter. Twelve 
angels are set at the gates of the temple, lest such 
as were ceremonially unclean should enter thereinto. 
2 Chron. xxiii. 19. Mat. xiii. 25. and xxii. 12. 
Acts viii. 37. Rev. ii. 2. Acts ix. 26. Rev. xxi. 12. 
2 Chron. xxiii. 19. 

2. The things which are requisite to be found 
in all church members, are repentance from sin, and 
faith in Jesus Christ; and there are the things where- 
of men are to be examincd at their admission into 
the church, and which then they must profess and 
hold forth in such sort, as may satisfy rational char- 
ity that the things are there indeed. John Bapust 
admitted men to baptism confessing and bewailing 
their sins; and of others it is said, that they came, 
and confessed and shewed their deeds. Acts 1. 38 
to 42. and viii. 37. Maz. iii. 6. Acts i. 9, 18. 

3. The weakest measure of faith is to be ac- 
cepted in those that desire to be admitted into the 
church because weak christians, if sincere, have 
the substance of that faith, repentance and holi- 
ness which is required in church members, and 
such have most need of the ordinances for their 
confirmation and growth in grace. The Lord Je- 
sus would not quench the smoaking flax nor break 
the bruised reed, but gather the tender lambs in 
his arms and carry them gently in his bosom. 
Such charity and tenderness is to be used as the 
weakest christian, if sincere, may not be excluded 
nor disco d. Severity of examination is to 
be avoided, Hom. xiv. 1. . xi. 20. Zsa. xi. 11. 

4. Incase any through excessive fear, or other 
infirmity, be unable to make their personal rela- 


45 


tion of their spiritual estate in public, it is sufficient 
that the elders have received private satisfacti 
make relation thereof in public before the chi 

they testifying their assents thereunto, this 

the way that tendeth most to edification. 

where persons are of greater abilities, there it is 
most expedient that they make their relations and 
confessions personally with their own mouth, as 
David professeth of himself. Psalm Ixvi. 16. 

_ 5. Appersonal and public confession and declar- 
ing of God’s manner of working upon the soul is 
both lawful, expedient, and useful in sundry 

and upon sundry grounds. Those three 

Acts u. 37, 41. before they were admitted by the 
apostles, did manifest that they were pricked in the 
heart at Peter’s sermon, together with earnest de- 
sire to be delivered from their sins which now 
wounded their consciences and their ready receiv- 
ing of the word of promise and exhortation. We 
are to be ready to render a reason of the hope that is 
in us, toevery one that asketh us; therefore we must 
be able and ready upon any occasion to declare and 


rig t congregation. Psa 
xl. 10. 1 Pet. iti. 15. Hed. xi. 1. Zph. tp 18 
6. This profession of faith and repentance, as 
must be by such at their admission, that were 
never in church society before; so nothing hi 
but the same way also be performed by such as 
formerly been members of some other 
the church to which they now jon themselves as 
members may lawfully require same. 
three thousand, Acts i. which made their 
sion, were members of the church of the Jews 


tet 


46 


so were they that were baptized by John. Churches 
err in their admission, and persons regularly 
admitted may fall into offence. Otherwise if EReIeN. 
es might obtrude their members, or if church mem- 
bers might obtrude themselves upon other church- 
es without due trial, the matter so requiring, both 
the liberty of churches would hereby be infringed in 
thatthey might not examine those concerning whose 
fitness for communion they were unsatisfied ; and 
besides the infringing of their liberty the churches 
themselves would unavoidably be corrupted, andthe 
ordinances defiled, whilst they might not refuse but 
must receive the unworthy, which is contrary unto 
the scripture, teaching that all churches are sisters 
and therefore equal. Maz. iii. 1, 6. Gal. ii. 4. 1 
Tim. v.24. Cant. viii. 8. 
7. The like trial is to be required from such 
members of the church as were born in the same, 


or received their membership and were baptized 


in their infancy or minority, by virtue of the cov- 
enant of their parents, when being grown up un. 
to years of discretion they shall desire to be made 
partakers of the Lord’s supper; unto which, be- 
cause holy things must not be given to the un- 
worthy, therefore it is requisite that these as well as 
others, should come to their trial and examination, 
and manifest their faith and repentance by an open 
oe a thereof, before they are received to the 

ord’s supper, and otherwise not to be admitted 
thereunto. Yet these church members that were 
soborn or received In their childhood before they 
are capalne of being made partakers of full com- 
munion, have many privileges which others, rot 
church members, have not ; they are in covenant 
with God, have the seal thereof upon them, viz. 
baptism ; and so if not regenerated, yet are in a 


‘ 
“* 4 


more hopeful way of attaining regenerating grace, 
and all the spiritual blessings both of the covenant 
and seal: they are also under church-watch, and 
consequently subject to the reprehensions, admoni- 
tions, and censures thereof for their healing and 
amendment as need shall require. Mat. vii. 6. 1 
Cor. xi. 27. 


alii 
CHAP. XHI. 


Of church members their removal from one church 
to another, and of recommendation and dismission. 


CuurcH members may not remove or d 
from the church, and so one from another fry 

, hor without just and weighty cause, but 
ought to live and dwell together, forasmuch as they 
ane commanded not to forsake the ee 
selves together. Such departure tends to the dis- 
solution and ruin of the body, as the pulling of 
stones and pieces of timber from the building, and 
of members from the natural body tends to the de- 
struction of the whole. Heb. x. 25. 

2. It is therefore the duty of church members 
in such times and places where counsel may be had, 
to consult with the church whereof they were 
members about their removal, that accordi 
they having their approbation, may be encoura 
or otherwise desist. They who are joined 
consent, should not depart without consent, except 
forced thereunto. Prov. xi 16. 

. 3. Ifa member’s departure be manifestly unsafe 
and sinful, the church may not consent thereunto ; 
for in so doing they should not act in faith and should 
partake with him in his sin. If the case be doubtful 


48 


and the not to be persuaded, it seemeth best 
to leave the matter unto God and not forcibly detain 
him. Rom. xiv. 25. 1 Tim. v.22. Acts xxi. 14. 

4. Just reasons for a member’s removal of him- 
self from the church, are, 1. If a man cannot con- 
tinue withcut partaking in sin. 2. In case of per- 
sonal persecution, so Paul departed from the dis- 
ciples at Dumascus. Also in case of general per- 
secution when all are scattered. 3. In case of real, 
and not only pretended want of competent subsist- 
ence, a door being opened for better supply in an- 
other place, together with the means of spiritual ed- 
ification. In these or like cases a member may law- 
fully remove, and the church cannot lawtully de- 
tan him. ZpA.v. 11. Acts ix. 25, 29, 30. and 
viii. 1. Neh. xiii. 20. 

5. Tos«parate from a church, either out of con- 
tempt of their holy fellowship or out of covetous- 
ness, or for greater enlargements, with just gri 
tothe church ; or out of schism, or a of = 
and out of a spirit of contention in respect of some 
unkindness, or some evil only conceived, or indeed 
in the church, which might and should be tolerated 
and held with a spirit meekness and of which 
evil the church is not yet convinced {though per- 
haps himsclf be) nor admonished , for these or the 
like reasons to withdraw from public communion 
in word, or seals, or censures is unlawful and sin- 
ful. 2 Zim. iv. 10. Rom.xvi. 17. Jude v. 19. 
Eph ww. 2,3. Col. i. 13. Gal. vi. 1, 2 

6. Such members as have orderly removed their 
habitation ought to join themselves unto the church 
in order where they do inhabit, if it may be ; oth- 
erwise they can neither perform the duties nor re- 
ceive the privileges of members. Such an exam- 
ple tolerated in some is apt to corrupt others, which 


9 ~- 


if many should follow, would threaten the dissolu- 
tion and confusion of churches, con to the 
scripture. Jsa.lvi. 8. Actsix.26. 1 Cor. xiv. 33. 

7. Order’requires that a member thus i 
have letters testimonial, and of dismission from 
church whereof he yet is, unto the church w 
unto he desireth to be joined, lest the churchshould 
be deluded ; that the church may receive him im 
faith, and not be corrupted by receiving deceivers 
and false brethren; until the person dismissed be 
received into another church he ceaseth not by his - 
letters or dismission to be amember of the church 
whereof he was, the church cannot make a member 
no member but by excommunication. Acts xviii. 27. 

8. Ifa member be called to remove only for a 
time, where achurch is, letters of recommendation 
are requisite and sufficient for communion with 
that church in the ordinances and in their watch ; 
as Phebe, a servant ef the church at Cenchrea, had 
letters written fer her to the church at Rome, that 
she might be received as becometh saints. Rom. 
xvi. 1, 2. 2 Cor. iii. 1. 

9. Such letters of recommendation and dismis- 
sion were written for Apollos, for Marcus tothe Co- 
lossians, for Phebe to the Romans, for 
others to other churches. And the apostle 
us that some persons, not sufficiently known other. 
erwise, have special need of such letters, though he 
for his part had no need thereof. The use of them 
is to be a benefit and help to the party for whom 
they are written and for the furthering of his re- 
ceiving amongst the saints in the place whereto he 
goeth, and the due satisfaction of them in their re. 
ceiving ofhim. Acts xviii. 27. Col. iv.10. Rom. 
xvi. I. 2 Cor. iii. 1. 

E 


50 


CHAP. XIV. 


Of excommunication and other censures. 


THE censures of the church are appointed by 
and healing 


which may infect the whole lump ; for vindicating 
the honour of Christ, and of his church, and the holy 
profession of the gospel, and for preventing of the 


Jude v.19. Deut. xiii. 11. 
ii. 24, Rev. ii, 14, 15, 16, 20. 
2. If an offence be private, one brother offending 
another, the offender is to go and acknow his 
repentance for it unto his offended brother, is 
then to forgive him ; but if the offender neglect or 


selves privately: If thereupon the offender be 
Lama to ; t of his offence, the admonisher 
hath won his brother ; but if the offender hear not 
his brother, the brother offended is totake with 
him one or two more, that in the mouth of two or 
three witnesses every word may be established, 
whether the word of admonition, if the offender re- 
ceive it; or the word of com j if he refuse it . 
for if he refuse it, the offended brother is by the 
mouth of the elders to tell the church, and if he hear 
the church, and declare the same by penitent con- 


- 


51 


fession, he is recovered and gained ; and if the 
church discern him to be willing to hear, yet not 
fully convinced of his offence, asin case of heresy, 
pense to himin a public adntonition 


which declaring the offender to lie under the 
[eof of te chare dah hereby wild 


suspend him from the holy fellowship of the 
supper, till his offence be removed by penitent con- 


further mortifying 
soul in the day of the Lord Jesus. 1 Cor. v. 4, 5, 11. 


4. In dealing with an offender great care is to be 
taken thes we be acithies overetrs$ SS 
indulgent or remiss ; our proceeding Lercin ought 
to be with a spirit of meekness, considering our- 
selves, least we also be tempted ; and that the best 
ates have need of smack forgivencee 

et the winning ing of the *s soul, 
being the end of these endeavors, we must not daub 
with untempered er 4 oe the wounds of 
our brethren y. some have 
others save > ell Gal. vi. 1. ‘ior ii 94, 
35. Ezek. xiii. 10. 

5. While the offender remains excommunicate, 
the church is to refrain from all member-like com- 
munion with him in spiritual things, and also from 
all familiar communion with him in civil things, fur- 
ther than the necessity of natural, domestical or civil 
relations do require, and are thercfore to forbear 


bel 


52 


to eat and drink with him, that he may be ashamed. 
Mat. xviii. 17. 1Cor.y. 11. 2 $$. iii. 6, 14. 

6. Excommunication being a spiritual punish- 
ment, it doth not peeutice the excommunicate in 
nor deprive him of his civil rights, and therefore 
toucheth not princes or other magistrates in point 
of their civil dignity or authority, and the excom- 
municate being but asa publican and a heathen, 
(heathens es Saga permitted to come to hear 
the word in church assemblies) we acknowledge 
therefore the like liberty of hearing the word may 
be permitted to persons excommunicate, that is 
permitted unto heathen. And because we are not 
without hope of his recovery, we are not to account 
him as an enemy but toadmonish him as a brother. 
1 Cor. xiv. 24, 25. 2 Thess. iii. 14. 

7. If the Lord sanctify the censure to the offen- 
der, so as by the grace of Christ he doth testify his 

ne gee confession of his sins, and 
judging of himself, givin unto God, the 
Metis then to ais fin and to comfort him, 
and to restore him to the wonted brotherly commu- 
nion which formerly he enjoyed with them. 2 Cor. 
il. 7, 8. 

8. ‘The suffering of the profane or scandalous 
livers to continue in fellowship and partake in the 
sacraments is doubtless a great sin in those that 
have power in their hands to redress it and do it 
aot: Nevertheless, inasmuch as Christ and his 
upostles in their times, and the prophets and other 
godly in theirs, did lawfully partake of the Lord’s 
commanded ordinances in the Jewish church, and 
neither taught nor tised separation from the 
same, though unworthy ones were permitted therein, 
and inasmuch as the faithful in the church of Corinth, 
wherein were many unworthy persons and practi- 


53 


ces,are never commanded to absent themselves from 
the sacraments because of the same ; therefore the 
godly in like cases are not presently to separate. 
Rev. ii. 14, 15, 20. Mat. xxiii. 3. Acts ii. 1. 
1 Cor, vi. and xv. 12. 

9. As separation from such a church wherein 
profane and scandaloys persons are tolerated is 
not presently necessary ; so for the members there- 
of, otherwise unworthy, hcreupon to abstain 
communicating with such a church in the ci- 
pation of the sacraments is unlawful. For as it were 
unreasonable for an innocent person to be punished 
for the faults of others, wherein he hath no hand, 
and whereunto he gave no consent, so it is more 
unreasonable that a godly man should neglect du- 
ty and punish himself, in not coming for his por- 
tion in the blessings of the seals as he ought, because 
others are suffered to come that ought not; espe- 
cially considering that himself doth neither consent 
to their sins, nor to their approaching to the ordi- 
nance in their sin, nor to the neglect of others who 
should pat thew sway and do ct) Ee 
trary ily mourn for these thi an 
and stir up others to do thelr duty. ‘ 
Ubcity as bs specie ches 1S, ott a 
liberty as is specified chap. 13, sect. 4. But 
all the godly are bound unto even every one to do 
his endeavor, according to his power and place, 
the unworthy may be duly proceeded against by 
church to whom this matter doth Fig 2 
Chron. xxx. 18. Gen. xviii. 25. Ezek. ix. 4. 

E2 


> 


, 


¥ 


Be 


D « 
* 
r 
ae = 
¥, 
’ 
4 
3 
‘ 
‘ 


54 


CHAP. XV. 


_Of the communion of churches one with another. 


ALTHOUGH churches be distinct and there- 
fore may not be confounded one with another, and 
— and therefore have no dominion one over an- 
; yet all the churches ought to preserve church 
communion one with another, because they are ail 
united unto Christ, not only as a mystical but as a 
political head, whence is derived a communion suit- 
able thereunto. Rev. i. 4. Cant. viii. 8. Rom. xvi. 
16. 1Cor. xvi. 19. Acts xv.23. Rev. ii. 1. 
2. The communion of churches is exercised 
su ways. 1. By way of mutual care, in taking 
thought for one another’s welfare. 2. By way of 
consultation one with another, when we that oc- 
casion to require the judgment and counsel of other 
churchcs, touching any person or cause wherewith 
they may be better acquainted than ourselves. As 
the church at Antioch consulted with apostles and 
elders of the church at Jerusalem about the ques- 
tion of circumcision of the Gentiles, and about the 
false teachers that broached that doctrine. In 
which case, when any church wanteth light or peace 
am themselves, it is a way of communion of 
chu , according to the word to meet together, 
by their elders and other messengers in a synod, 
to consider and argue the points in doubt or dif- 
ference; and having found out the way of truth 
and peace, to commend the same by their letter 
and messengers to the churches whom the same 
may concern. But if a church be rent with divi- 
sions among themselves, or lie under any open scan- 
da! and yet refuse to eonsult with other churches 


55 


for healing or removing of the same, it is matter of 
just offence both to the Lord Jesus and to other 
churches, as bewraying too much want of mercy 
and faithfulness, not to seek to bind up the breach. 
es and wounds of the church and brethren; and 
therefore the state of such a church calleth aloud 


erly commsiian, to wit ty Walia sean 3. 


A third way of communion 


foot he publickly rebuked him before the church, 
Though churches have no more authority one 
, over another, than one apostle had another, 
yet as one apostle might admonish another, so may 
one church admonish another and yet without 
usurpation. In which case, if the church that] 
under offence,-do not hearken to the church 
doth admonish her, the church is 
i churches wi 


given them ; and if still the ing church con- 
unue in obstinacy and impenitercy may for- 
bear communion with them, and are to . 


cannot conveni be had) for then conviction. 
Ifthey hear not the synod,the synod having declared 
them too obstinate, particular churches approving 
and accepting the judgment of the synod, are tode- 


56 


clare the sentence of non-communion respectively 
concerning them , and thereupon, out of religious 
care to keep their own communion pure, they must 
justly withdraw themselves from hes wee with 
them at the Lord’s table, and from such other acts 
of holy communion as the communion of churches 
doth otherwise allow and require. Nevertheless, 
if any members of such a church as live under 
public offence, do not consent to the offence of the 
church, but do in due sort bear witness against it, 
are still to be reccived to wonted communi- 
cation ; for it is not equal that the innocent should 
suffer with the offensive. Yea, furthermore, if 
such innocent members, after due waiting in the 
use of all good means for the healing of the offence 
of their own church, shall at last with the allowance 
of the council of neighbour churches withdraw from 
the fellowship of their own church and offer them- 
selves to the fellowship of another, we judge it law- 
ful for the other church to receive them (bein 
otherwise fit) as if they had been orderly pba. 
tothemfrom theirownchurch. 4. A fourth way of 
communion of churches is by way of participation. 
The members of one church occasionally comin 
to another we willingly admit them to partake wit 
us at the Lord’s table, it being the seal of our com- 
munion not only with Christ, nor only with the 
members of our own churches, but also of all the 
churches of the saints; in which regard we refuse 
not to baptize their children presented to us, if 
either their own minister be absent, or such a fruit 
of holy fellowship be desired with us. _ In like case 
such churches as are furnished with more ministers 
than one, do willingly afford one of their own min- 
isters to supply the place of an absent or sick min- 
ister of another church fora needful season, 5. A 


~~ 


a7 


fifth way of church communion is by way of re 
commendation, when the member of one church 
hath occasion to reside in another church, if but 
for a season, we commend him to their watch- 
ful fellowship by letters of recommendation, but if 
he be called to settle his abode there we commit 
him according to his desire to the fellowship of 
their covenant by lettersofdismission. 6, A sixth 
way of church communion is in case of need, to 
minister relief and succeur one unto another, either of 
able members tofurnish them with officers,or of out- 
ward support to the necessities of poorer churches, 
as did the churches of the Gentiles contribute lib- 
erally to the poor saints at Jerusalem. Cant. viii. 
8. Acts xv. 2, 6, 22,23. Ezek. xxxiv. 4. Gal. 
ii. 11 to 14. Mat. xviii. 15, 16, 17. by propor- 


tion. Gen. xviii. 25. 1 Cor. xit. 13. Rom. xvi. 1. 


Acts 2. and xi. 22, be ne xiii. 26, 27. 
3. a company levers purpose 
gather into a church Seal iy is requisite 
their safer proceeding and maintaining 
communion of churches, that they signify their in- 
tent unto the neighbour churches, j <r 
ing unto the order of the gospel, and desire 
, and help, and right hand of 
which they ought readily to give unto them 
there is no just cause to except against their pro- 
ceedi Gal. ii. 1, 2, and 9, by proportion. 
4. ides the several ways of communion, 
there is alsoa way of propagation of churches when 
a church shall grow too numerous, it isa way and 
fit season to propagate one church out of another, 
by sending forth such of their members as are wil- 
ling to remove, and tu procure some officers tothem 
as May 


enter with them into church estate 
themseives. As bees, when the hive is too 


58 


issue forth by swarms and are gathered into other 
hives, so the churches of Christ. may do the same 
— like necessity ; and therein hold forth to them 

right hand of fellowship, both in their gather- 
ing into a church and in the ordination of their o.u- 
cers. Isa, xl. 20. Cant. viii. 8, 9. 


a - 
CHAP. XVI. 


Of Synods. 


Epler eal 
to , Acts xv. we ac- 
ae as the ordinance of Christ ; and though 
not utely necessary to the being, yet many 
times, through the iniquity of men and perverse- 
ness of rey © te well ing of 
churches, for the i t of truth and peace 
therein. Acts xv. 2 to 15. 

2. Synods being spiritual and ecclesiastical as- 
semblies, are therefore made up of spiritual and 
ecclesiastical causes. The next sufficient cause of 
them under Christ, is the power of the churches, 
sending forth their elders and other messengers, 
who being met together in the name of Christ, are 
the matter of a synod: and they in arguing, de- 
bating, and determining matters of religion accord- 
ing to the word, and publishing the same to the 
churches it concerneth, do put forth the proper and 
formal acts of a synod, to the conviction of errors 
and heresies, and the establishment of truth and 
peace in the churches, which is the end of a synod. 
Acts xv. 2, 3, 6, 7 to 23, 31. and xvi. 4, 15. 

3. Magistrates have power to call a synod, by 
falling to the churches to send forth their elders 


oF 


and other messengers, to counsel and assist them am 
matters of religion; but yet the consutuling of a 
synod is a church act, and may be 
the churches even when civil magistrates may be 
enemies to churches and —_ assemblies. 2 
Chron. xxix. 4, 5 to 11. ts XV. ; 

4. It belongeth unto synods and councils to de- 
bate and determine controversies of faith and cases 
of conscience; to clear from the word holy direc- 
tions for the holy worship of God, and good gov- 
ernment of the church; to bear witness against mal- 
administration and corruptien in doctrine or man- 
ners in any particular church ; and to give directions 
for the reformation thereof; not to exercise church 
censures in way of discipline, nor any act of church 
authority or jurisdiction, which that presidential 
synod did forbear. Acts xv. 1, 2, 6,7. 1 Chron. 
xv. 13. 2 Chron. xxix. 6, 7. Acts. xv. 24 28, 29. 

5. The synod’s directions and determinations so 
far as consonant to the word of God, are to be 
received with reverence and submission, not only 
for their nt therewith (which is the princi- 
pal thereof, and without which bind 
not all) but also secondarily for the power 
they are made, as being an ordinance of God ap- 
pointed thereunto in his word. Acts xv. 

6. Because it is difficult if not impossible for 
many churches to come togethes in.c08 aay in 
all their members universally ; therefore they may 
assemble by their delegates or messengers as the 
church at Antioch went not all to Jerusalem, but 
some select men for that purpose. Because none 
are or should be more fit to know the state of the 
churches, nor to advise of ways for the good there- 
of, than elders ; therefore it is fit that in the choice 

nf the messengers for such assemblies they have 


Fe sic 


60 


jal respect unto such; yet inasmuch as not 
only’ Paul and | , but certain others also 


were sent to J » from Antioch, and when 
they were come to Jerusalem not only the apostles 
and elders, but other brethren also do assemble 
and meet about the matter; therefore synods are 
to consist both of elders and other church members 
endued with gifts and sent by the churches, not 
excluding the presence of any brethren in the 
churches. Acts xy. 2, 22, 23. ' 


ili. 
CHAP. XVII. 


Of the civil magistrate’s power in matters eccle- 
stastical, . 


IT is lawful, profitable, and necessary for christians 


to gather themselves together into church estate, 
therein to exercise all the ordinances of Christ, 
according unto the word, although the consent of 
the pp could not be had thereunto; be- 
cause — and christians in their time did 
tly thus practise, when the magistrates being 
all of them Jewish or Pagan and most persecuting 
enemies would give no countenance or consent to 
such matters. cts ii. 41, 47. and iv. 1, 2, 3. 

2. Church government stands in no opposition 
to civil government of commonwealths, nor any 
way intrencheth upon the authority of civil magis- 
trates in their jurisdiction ; nor any whit weaken- 
eth their hands in governing, but rather strength- 
eneth them, furthereth the people in yielding more 
hearty and conscionable obedience unto them, 
whatsoever some ill affected persons to the ways of 
Christ have suggested, to alienate the affection of 


a 


61 


kings and princes from the ordinances’ of Christ; 
as if the kingdom of Christ in his churcheould not 
rise and stand without the falling and wez = 3 
their government, which is also of Christ; whe b 
the contrary is most true, that they bahia 

together and flourish, the one being hell uot 
the other in their distinct and due admin’ ns. 

John _ 36. Acts xxv: 8. Isa. xlix. my 

3. ‘The power and authority of magistrates is not 
for the restraining of ohare or any other good 
works, but for helping in and furthering ¥ 
and therefore the consent and countenance of mag- 
istrates, when it may be had, isnot to be slighted 
or lightly esteemed ; but on the contrary it is part 
of that honour due to christian magistrates to de- 
sire and crave their consent and approbation . 
in, which oe obtained, the churches may 1 
proceed in their way with more encouragement 
and comfort. Rom. "ci 4. 1Tim. ii, 20° 

4. It is not in the power of i to com. 
pel their subjects to become church members, and 
to partake at the Lord’s table; for the port d= 
reproved that brought unworthy ones into the 
sanctuary: Then as it was uilawful for the priest, 
So it is as unlawful tobe done by civil magistrates, 
those whom the church is to cast out if they were 
in; the magistrate ought not to thrust them irito 
the church, nor tohold them therein. Ezek. xliy, 
7,9. 1 Cor.-v. IL. 

5. As it is unlawful for church officers to med. 
dle with the sword of the magistrates, so it is un- 
lawful for the magistrate to meddle with the work 
proper to church officers. The acts of Moses and 

id, who were not only princes but 
were extraordinary, therefore not imitable. “A- 
gainst wate: usurpation, the Lord witnessed By 


— 


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“Bs = 2 3 : 


Begads i ee PSSST Sae 
baat eretert call 
j ip iH ec 
: e AL! Te 
’ oF fit geglth a bazs. Sei has 8 1 u 
Nie | Saal ariel 
HE iH 4 tf], aiacl ; an 
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HURL dake RT HL 


“_F 


APPENDIX. 


Being some collections for the information of those that are not ac- 
quainted with the principles and practices of the first and most emi- 
nent leaders in the churches of Cunist in New England. 


TH pistform of church discipline was on and consented 
unto by many great, learned and pious persons, from the four famous 
colonies in New-England, assembled in the Synod at Cambridge, 
1648. Something of which may be read im a late print, entitled, 
ee of the gospel in the churehes of New- 

n J 

The deservedly famous and reverend Mr ohn Wilson, pastor, 
and Yohn Cotton,teacher of the first church of Christ in Boston, were 
= of those werthies that composed the platform of church disci- 
pline. 

The reverend Mr ohn Norton, teacher of the said church in 
Boston, in his election sermon, May 22, 1661, page 12, gives this 
advice, “‘ take care that the order of the gospel may have a free pas- 
sage in the churches ; I mean that our practice may effectually an- 
swer our doctrine, in that book entitled, the platform of church: 
discipline.” ; 

And in his last sermon, preached on his weekly lecture, April 2, 
1663, a little before his death, page 37. ‘“*‘ Remember that we have 
the pattern in the mount, I mean we have the scripture as a 
and you have the platform of church discipline given to you in way 
counsel, es the confession of our faith to this way of church em. 
ment: you ki.ow in what manner it was that which, for sub- 
stance of it, owns the cause congregational: If any are departed 
from it let them look to it.” 

The reverend Mr ohn Davenport, in his catechism printed anno 
166), for the use of the first church in Boston, of waich he was then 
pastor, shows his coucurrence with the platform of church discipline 
in matters relating to church government. 

The reverend Mr. ohn Oxenbridge, pastor of said church by his 
practice, manifested his consent to the way of church government, 
asit is stated inthe platform of church discipline: and in his 
election sermon, in May, 1671, declared his agreement with the 
principles of purity and power of the churches. 

The reverend Mr. $ames Alien, teacher of said church, in his 
election sermon, May 28, 1679, page 10, 11, having taken notice 
of the platform of church discipline, as manifesting the judgment of 
the ministers of New-England, asserting the authoritative rule of 
the elders, with the liberty of brethren, expresseth himself thus, 
‘though the judgment of the best should not be looked upon ag 
scripture canons, nor bind any further than it is found agreeing 
with the word of God, by which: t ought to be tried ; yet I think I 
may safely say that is aclearer judgment of the mind of God in the 


creased by industry, and those that stand 
oor 
“on recon apt 


ae 


the said Platform, for the substance of it, desiring that the chureb 
Grids devtned fren the sandeen "Gs cue ; 
therein declared from the word of Gop. & print, a 


|, &e. 

Col ii 6. 4s ye have therefore receiwed Christ Lord, 
walk in him. - ~s ‘9 

Eph iv. Part of the 14th verse. Be no more children toserd to 
and fro, and carried about with ewery wind of doctrine. 

Gal v.1. Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath 
made x2 free. 

F 2 


a 


66 


A TESTIMONY 


To the order of the gospel, in the churches of New-England : 
‘ff in the hands of the churches, by the two most aged min- 
tsters of the gosftel yet surviving in the country. 


ABove seventy years have passed away, since one of us and 
above sixty, since the other of us came into New-England, and having 
obtained help from God we continue to thia day. 

We are therefore capable to make some comparison, between the 
condition of the churches, when they were first erected in this 
country, and the condition into which they are now /adlen, and 
more falling every day. 

But we wish, that in making this comparison, we had not cause 
to take the place and the part of those o/d men, that saw the young 
men shouting aloud for joy, at the new temple, K.zra iii. 12 Ancient 
men that had seen the first house sewhen the foundation of this house was 
laid before their eves, wept with a loud voice 

2. We are under a daily expectation of our call to appear before 
aur Lord Jesus Christ ; and we have reason to be above all things 
concerned, that we may give ? our account with joy unto him. That 
we may be the better able to do so, we judge it necessary for us to 
leave in the hands of the churches a brief testimony to the cause of 
God and hie people in this land. And this the rather, because we 
are sensible that there is risen and rising among us, a number who 
not only forsake the rigit ways of the Lord, wherein these holy 
churches have walked, but also labour to carry away as many oth- 
ers with them as they can. 

We are also informed that many younger men of great worth, and 
and hearty friends unto the church-state of the country, scarce know 
what interpretation to put upon it; but find it a sensible disadvan- 
tage unto them that the edder men are so silent and remiss upon 
the manifest occasions, that call aloud for us toopen our mouth in 
the cause of churches that we should be loth to see lead unto de- 
2truction. 

3. We that saw the persons who from four famous colonies, as- 
sembled in the s;nod that agree on our Platform of Church Discipline 
cannot forget their excellent character. They were men of great 
renown in the nation, from whence the Laudian Persecution exiled 
them ; their learning, their holiness, their gravity struck all men 
that knew them with admiration. They were Timothies in their 
houses, Chrysostomes in their pulpits, Augustines in their disputa- 
tions. The prayers, the studies, the humble enquiries with which 
they sought after the mind of God were as likely to prosper as any 
men's uponearth. And the sufferings wherein they were confessors 
fur the name and the truth of the Lord Jesus Christ, add unto the 
arguments which would persuade us that our gracious Lord would 
reward and honour them, with communicating much of his truth un- 


67 


tothem. The famous Brightman had foretold, Clariorem 
adhac Solitudo dabit, &%'c. God would yet reveal more of the 
church-state ante come af tie GMA o whom he 


servants, 
send into a wilderness that he might there have 


ai 


them. And it was-eminently accomplished in what was done for 
and by the men of God, that first erected churebes for him in this 
's do halen the first place earnestly fy that if 
We in rst testi any 
who are given to change do rise up to unhinge the well established 
churches in this land, it willbe the duty and interest ofthe churches 
to examine w men ja trespass are more prayerful, 
more watchful, more souls, Sore patton, ume Sn 


universally conscientious, and harder students, and 
and more willing to be informed and advised than those 
~~ men who left unto the churches what they now enjoy 
not so it will be wisdom for the children to forbear pulling 

with their own hands the houses of God, which were built by their 
wiser fathers, until they have better satisfaction. 

It is not yet forgot by some surviving ecar-witnesses of it, that 
when the Synod had finished the Plarform of Church Discipline, 
did with an extraortinary elevation of soul and voice then sing to- 
gether the song of Moses the servant of God, and the the Lamb, 
in the fifteenth chapter of the Revelation : God fi , that in the 
loss of that holy discipline, there should be hereafter occasion to 
sing about breaking down the carved work of the houses of God 
with axes and hammers ; or take up the eightieth psalm for our 
lamentations. 


j 


ri 


“ The order of the gospel, professed and practised by the churches 
of Christ in New-England:” a book most highly needful, and 
useful and seasonable, a most claborate and well com work, 
and well suited unto those two worthy designs ; Ist. the maintain- 
ing the congregational church discipline ; and 2dly, the maintain. 
ing the sweet spirit of charity and communion towards the reform. 
ing presbyterians, who are ourunited brethren. But we must here 
withal testify, that in that worthy book there is nothing obtraded 
upon the churches but what they who were here capable of ob- 
serving what wasdone sixty years ago, do know to have been 
fessed and practised in the churches of New-England; (except in 
one or two) then and ever since until of late. some who were not 
then born have suggeste! otherwise. Yea, ‘tis well known, that the 
churches then publickly maintained those principles in several judi- 
cious discourses, which were never confuted by any men whatever 
unte this present time. And we do therefore most heartily com. 
mend that book of the order of the gospel, unto the perusal and 
acceptance of the churches of the Lor. 

5. It was one of the songs (4s tie Jewish masters tell us) in the 
feast of tabernacles, Blessed be our youth, which have not made 
our afd men ashamed. But alas, we that are old men must confess 
ourscly¢s ashamed whea we sce after what manner some of our 


” 


g 


: 
Eh 


: 
Hi 


FE 
FF 
Fete 
te 
ls 


gt tage 


He 
bi 
: 
if 


: 
; 
: 
: 
H 
§ 


Hl 
fe 
i 
3 
i 
& 
i 
i 


may 
e. 
. We do therefore eet ce tities aaetioen, 20 


a 8 SS of our church state, that 
— even whele days of prayer ro apart for that end, 
wi 


r inted means, be used in churches to obtain 
from the Lord the out- ingen of the apisit off on the ris 
generation. Jf so richa were sbtaiands (und ane hes 


Father will give his 
rising might 
erate 


gospe . 
& N aged 
even oa we Oe oo 


much of bis gracious presence and spirit in midst of them ; 

raise up from time to time those who may be happy instruments of | 
bringing down the hearts of the parents into the children, The , 
Lord bless these hig churches, and keep them stedfast, both in the | 
faith and in the order of the gospel, and be with them, as he was 
with their fathers, and never leave them nor forsake them, : 


; JOHN HIGGINSON, 
WILLIAM HUBBARD. 


i 
POSTSCRIPT. 


Tu AT our testimony to the old principles of New England may 
be the more distinctly apprehended, we recommend unto consider- 
ation three pages in the life of Mr Juhn Cotton, written by his” 
grandson, Mr. Cotton Mather, p, 33, 34.55. 

“Now that the world may know the first principles of New-Enge” 
land, it mast be known that until the Platform of church disci ° 
published by a Synod in the year 1648, next unto the Bible, © . 
wis the professed, perpetual, and only directory of these churches, ” 
they had no platform of their church government, more exaet than” 
their famous Fohkn Cotton's well known book of the keys; which” 
book endeavours to lay out the just lines and bounds of all chureh” 
power, and so defines the matter, that as in the state there is &” 
dispersion of p:wers into several hands which are to concur inte 
all acts of common concernment, from whence arises the 
constitution of a commonwealth: in like sort, he assi 
powers in the church, unto several subjects, wherein the 
light of scripture and of nature, have placed them with a very sat-" 
isfactory distribation 

“He asserts, that a presbyterated society of the faithful, hath 
within itself a complete power of self-reformation, or if you 
ofs W preservation; and may within itself, manage its own choices of 
officers, and censures of delinquents. Now a special statute law of 
our Lord having excepted women and c)ildren from enjoying any 
part of this power,he finds only elders and brethren to be the congti 


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i Ti wart A iit sand 
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a ae de 
he le ine le Ht 

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JOHN HIGGINSON. 
WILLIAM HUBBARD. 


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